There’s something magical about driving through tree-laden landscapes as leaves turn yellow, gold and crimson. Scenic byways enhance the experience – often traveling through plunging valleys, rugged mountains or rivers at the base of scenic bluffs. Whether tour passengers are history buffs or foodies, wine lovers or photo enthusiasts, these fall drives located on the East Coast, Midwest and Southwest promise plenty of colorful discoveries.
Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway
2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, which promotes the entire 469-mile roadway, including portions in North Carolina. A favorite National Park Service route, the Parkway traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains, from verdant valleys to gorgeous peaks. During autumn, flame-colored leaves decorate the landscape. Although peak color typically arrives in mid-to-late October, the visible amount will depend on elevation.
Treat passengers to stunning views at Chateau Morrisette, a 32-acre winery atop a mountain ridge near Floyd, Virginia, which operates inside a massive reclaimed wood building.
Passengers will enjoy sampling history about half an hour north of Roanoke, in tiny Fincastle where the county clerk at Botetourt County Circuit Courthouse sometimes greets visitors in 1700s garb. Note: There’s no charge to visit, but it closes to the public when court’s in session!
Stop for the essential photo at Mabry Mill about 90 minutes southwest of Roanoke. Colorful foliage surrounds the early 1900s gristmill complex, as well as a blacksmith/wheelwright shop and a beautiful pond. Passengers can view demonstrations of old-time crafts by National Park Service employees and then grab a bite to eat. End at Floyd, a mountain hamlet along The Crooked Road—Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Treat passengers to a live weekend music performance at The Floyd Country Store, plus a surprising number of shopping and dining options.
(New Mexico’s) High Road to Taos Scenic Byway
There’s no better time to explore New Mexico’s High Road to Taos Scenic Byway than when flaming yellow aspen trees punctuate deep green pines along open-shoulder roads that wind through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Peak colors arrive between late September and mid-October.
Amid this captivating fall scenery, visit tiny Chimayo, 75 minutes from Taos. Although it’s much smaller than Taos – and less familiar – the village is renowned for its spiritual vibe and amazing weaving tradition. Arrive on a weekday, when there are fewer crowds.
El Santuario de Chimayo is the primary draw for many visitors. Built in 1813, this iconic adobe religious shrine is considered a place of miracles, too. Visitors may pray in the gorgeous sanctuary before marveling at ‘holy dirt’ and a wall lined with discarded crutches and canes, in adjacent rooms. (Tour guides are available for a small fee).
Chimayo’s weaving shops are a must. From Ortega’s de Chimayo – run by the same family for eight generations – to Trujillo Weavers, which resembles a small house just off the highway; or Centinela Chimayo Weavers, where hand-dyed wool meets Smithsonian recognition, the artistry is exquisite. Because of the narrow driveway at Theresa’s Gallery, it’s best to park along the highway before walking a block to see this amazing art collection. Purchase retablos (decorative religious icons) with a Beatles twist, and international acclaimed and renowned black Santa Clara Pueblo pottery at fabulous prices.
Treat passengers to superb northern New Mexican fare at family owned Rancho de Chimayo Restaurante. Operating since 1965, it was named one of New Mexico’s Culinary Treasures in March 2014 and received the 2016 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award.
Mississippi River Road Scenic Byway
It doesn’t get more classic Americana—or scenic come fall color season—than the Mississippi River. The iconic Great River Road, which stretches 3,000 miles through 10 states and well-marked with its trademark pilot wheel symbol, turned 60 this year. The Mississippi River Parkway Commission has mapped out group itineraries by theme, and it’s also easy to combine popular options like “food and drink” and “great fall scenery.”
The prettiest stretch in autumn traverses the Wisconsin stretch of the roadway. That state’s 250-mile route through 33 towns is notable for the tallest overlooks and showy river bluffs; hardwood forests that turn bold oranges, red and yellow in autumn; and some famed Wisconsin cheese. You’ll find 17 creameries or cheese factories, six state parks, multiple wildlife refuges and interpretive center as you follow the snaking river along the base of bluffs, past cornfields and vineyards.
Quaint river towns are situated a comfortable seven miles apart on average: the distance a steamboat could go before stopping to refuel. Pepin is one can’t-miss destination both for its proximity to gorgeous Lake Pepin (birthplace of water skiing) and fact its the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House on the Prairie book series—a series that’s wildly popular among European and Japanese tour-goers.
The trip highlight, though, will be the classic overlook. Head to Granddad Bluff, 600 feet above sea level, but know there’s a weight limit of no more than five tons on the road that runs to the bluff. At Wyalusing State Park, you’ll take in fall colors patterned on bluffs overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers from 500 feet above. There also are paths marking Native American burial grounds and a monument to the now-extinct passenger pigeon.
—Lisa Waterman Gray and Kim Schneider
